TITUSVILLE, Pa. -- The Manufacturing Assistance Center at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville Education and Training Hub received two grants, which will provide scholarships for students in the MAC’s programs.
The MAC received a $25,000 grant from Crawford County as part of the American Rescue Plan and $12,000 from the Gene Haas Foundation, which is based in Oxnard, Calif., and supports manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond. The grant funds will be used to support students in both the MAC’s Basic Machining and CNC Programming and Operations courses.
“We are very grateful to both the county and the Haas Foundation for awarding these funds,” said Dr. Stephanie Fiely, executive director of the Hub, “which will be used to support MAC students as they advance their skills and knowledge of machining.
“These funds are a great investment in our community since graduates of these programs tend to stay in the region and contribute to its economic health.”
Graduates of one or both programs have found positions at several regional companies, including Roser Technologies Inc. in Titusville, Acutec Precision Aerospace Inc. and C.J. Industries, both in Meadville, and Franklin Industries Co. in Franklin.
The grant funds provided by Crawford County are available only to students living in Crawford County. Students are eligible for up to $4,000 – after all other funding sources have been exhausted – to cover tuition and overcome other barriers that may prevent them from completing their training.
The Gene Haas Scholarships are to be used during the 2024 calendar year for current or future students enrolled in the CNC Programming and Operations course, regardless of students’ residency.
In both cases, funds will be awarded based on financial need once other scholarships, grants and funding opportunities are used based on a review by the MAC and Hub leadership team.
Since the MAC moved to Titusville in 2021, 47 students have completed Basic Machining, CNC Programming and Operations, or both courses. Most recently seven students, six of whom live in the region, completed the 15-week Basic Machining program and received certificates of completion on Dec. 11.
The Basic Machining program combines classroom, shop and machine time to give students the preparation they need to be successful in a machine shop environment. Students in the CNC Programming and Operations course learn more advanced skills, including the theory of G-code machine language programming.
The next classes for the Basic Machining and CNC Programming will begin the week of Jan. 8. To learn more, visit www.titusville.pitt.edu/MAC.